Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney Host Best Buddies East Coast Event at their Watermill Estate, August 21,2009

Watermill, N.Y. August 21,2009. Anthony Kennedy Shriver’s charity, Best Buddies rode into town with a chic western ho’ down held at the Hamptons estate of Ann Hearst and Jay McInerney. The Hamptons social crowd, about 200 of them, tossed their Jimmy Choo’s aside for the evening to slip into cowboy boots and western attire. Everything was cowboy from the cuisine to the décor. One lovely guest wore a holster with guns, another gentlemen wore a white cowboy shirt trimmed in black with Rodeo written on the back. I complemented him on his fashionable rodeo shirt, he was quick to joke that it did not mean that he was a fan of the Rodeo, but of Rodeo Drive. I couldn’t help but agree with him.

It is always a treat to spend time at the beautiful and eclectic home of Anne and Jay who are the most gracious host and hostess. Jay, an established author is never without a quick witted story to entertain his guests. Anne has a warmth and genuine sense of humor that makes everyone feel welcome. The Hearst Castle on the west coast has been the home to many Best Buddies events.

Tatiana and Campion Platt were co-chairs this year as well as last year. Tatiana is on the Board of Directors of Best Buddies and introduced me to the organization when she was honored at The Crystal Pavilion in Palm Beach two years ago. I immediately became enamored with the accomplishments of Best Buddies throughout the world and the strong commitment of its supporters. Tatiana and Campion Platt have many philanthropic and business successes. I think one of their proudest accomplishments is the recent birth of their baby boy Fox Scudder, who attended the event for a while. He is 6 months old and may be following in his parent’s philanthropic footsteps even before he can walk.

Newcomers, Haley and Jason Binn of the media giant Niche-Media co-chaired the event for the first time. Jason will serve on Best Buddies International Board of Directors. Haley and Jason support many charities and are a perfect addition to the Best Buddies family. They have two beautiful daughters and divide their time between NY, Southampton, Miami and Aspen.

Buddy Ambassador Rachel Lipke made a heart warming speech about her childhood and how it felt to be teased because she was different. Governor Paterson shared a story about his disability and the effects it had on his life. After the speeches a live auction to Sponsor-a-Buddy Leadership Conference Program in contributions of $1000 was conducted. Hands were raised throughout the room to raise a total of $28,000. The Gala, presented by UBS, raised nearly $275,000 cash and in-kind for Best Buddies International.
Some of the guests were New York Governor David Paterson, Kick Kennedy, Sharon Bush, Amanda Hearst, Alejandro Santo Domingo, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Kathy and Rick Hilton, Tommy Quick, Barry Klarberg, Cornelia Bregman, and many more.

Anthony Kennedy Shriver was and his beautiful family were missed by all of us at the event. Our sympathy goes out to them due to the recent loss of Anthony’s beloved mother Eunice. Eunice’s life’s work to help the learning disabled will be carried on through Anthony’s work with Best Buddies. Best Buddies was founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989 to establish a global volunteer movement treat one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships.To learn more about Best Buddies go to http://www.bestbuddies.org